EPA Issues Rules for Nine Chemicals

WASHINGTON (CN) – The Environmental Protection Agency issued new rules for use of substances that could hurt people and animals. The EPA issued the rules under the Toxic Substances Control. Manufacturers, importers or processors of the substances must give the EPA 90 days notice. The new use and recordkeeping requirements affect nine substances used in a variety of industries. Among the substances are mixed metal borate, which the EPA found posed no unreasonable risk, but can cause serious health effects in the forms of vapor and dust. It recommended a 90-day inhalation toxicity test and calculations of dry particles. Other substances were found to be potentially harmful to aquatic life in certain concentrations. For example, fatty acids are toxic at concentrations of 110 parts per billion, and iodonium, which is used in ultraviolet release coatings, is toxic at 8 parts per billion. The EPA also issued rules for waste solids from coating processes used as a feedstock replacement in cement kiln production. The solids, which may contain oxides of iron, calcium, and others, may be harmful if inhaled. While inhalation exposure by workers is not expected, the EPA recommended an inhalation toxicity test, with a special focus on lung and bronchial irritation. The other substances involved are two types of amino acids, benzamide and aromatic sulfonic acid. The rule will take effect on Feb. 19, 2013. The agency invited comments to be submitted by Jan. 22.